Our mini Bible Study continues on with the story of Joseph (Coat of Many Colours), and his faithful journey through life involving many obstacles, set-backs, envy, jealousy, hatred, confinement, and the betrayal by his own brothers.

As you may remember, if you have studied Genesis Chapter 40, after the Chief Butler had told his dream to Joseph, Joseph then gave him the dream interpretation of the dream. After which, Joseph asked one thing of the Chief Butler. It was this...

14 “But think of me when it shall be well with you and show kindness, I beg of you, to me, and mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house.” ~ Genesis 40:14 ~ (Amplifed Bible)

As you will remember, the dream interpretation that Joseph supplied to the Chief Butler of the King of Egypt was very favorable.

As was Joseph, both the Chief Butler and the Chief Baker were confined in the King's prison. In our previous journal entry, we read about both the dream and the dream interpretation of the Chief Baker's dream. As you will recall, the dream interpretation was not favorable at all.

Our previous BIBLE READING:

AMPLIFIED BIBLE – Genesis Chapter 40

16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, I also dreamed, and behold, I had three cake baskets on my head.

17 And in the uppermost basket were some of all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, but the birds [of prey] were eating out of the basket on my head.

18 And Joseph answered, This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days.

19 Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head but will have you beheaded and hung on a tree, and [you will not so much as be given burial, but] the birds will eat your flesh.

This dream interpretation that Joseph gave to the Chief Baker is not so favorable. Thoughts to ponder: What happens when you have a not so favorable dream? Is it possible to alter the outcome? Can prayer change things? How many of you would find a way to alter the outcome of a bad dream? How many of you would dismiss a dream such as the Chief Baker had as nothing to be concerned about? Do you have the kind of faith that trusts God in all situations and circumstances – the good and the bad?

Now, let us take a look at the outcome of the Chief Butler and the Chief Baker's dreams and the interpretations that Joseph gave to them...

Genesis 40 ~ (AMPLIFIED BIBLE)

20 And on the third day, Pharaoh's birthday, he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the heads of the chief butler and the chief baker [by inviting them also] among his servants.

21 And he restored the chief butler to his butlership, and the butler gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand;

22 But [Pharaoh] hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them.

23 But [even after all that] the chief butler gave no thought to Joseph, but forgot [all about] him.

As we see, the dream interpretations that Joseph gave to both the Chief Butler and the Chief Baker came to pass. We also find that the Chief Butler gave no thought to Joseph, but forgot all about him.

The question is, would you forget about the person who gave you a dream interpretation which was both accurate and favorable after really seeking the answer to one of your dreams?

What if you gave a dream interpretation to someone that was accurate and favorable, but they did not acknowledge you after the dream interpretation came to pass as was foretold? Would it matter to you one way or the other if you needed them to do so, asked them to do so, and they did not do so? Would a person's lack of acknowledgement for what you have done for them, their disregard for the help you sought of them in time of need, or their lack of gratitude towards you make you turn to God for the true needs that you may have? Or, would you be angry? Or, would you be hurt? Or, would you not care one way or the other?

If you take a moment to do a Bible Study on Chapter 40 of Genesis, you'll find that when the subject of DREAMS came up, Joseph focused everyone's attention on God. Rather than using the situation to make himself look good, he turned it into a powerful witness for God. And, although Joseph did ask something of the Chief Butler, we must remember that the gifts that God provides to you are not for your glory, but for God's glory and the furtherance of the Kingdom of God. The choice is always yours.

Let us remember that when Pharaoh's Chief Butler was freed from prison, he forgot all about Joseph, even though he had Joseph to thank for his freedom. Which leads to further questions: Does a favorable dream interpretation raise a person's expectation level to cultivate in the manifestation of the dream interpretation supplied? And could a bad dream interpretation do the same? Is the truth of the matter unchangeable either way – good or bad?

Let it be known that it was a full two years before Joseph had another opportunity to be freed [SEE: Genesis 41:1].

Joseph's faith was deep, and he was ready when the next opportunity presented itself.

Whenever we feel passed over, overlooked, or forgotten, we should not be surprised that people are often ungrateful. In situations like this, we must trust God as Joseph did. More opportunities are waiting for us.

BIBLE STUDY for this evening: Joseph is placed in charge of Egypt ~ [Pharaoh's strange dream]

GENESIS 41:1-57

Scripture for meditation: “For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.” ~ 1 Corinthians 2:16 ~ (AMPLIFIED BIBLE)

Have a peaceful and blessed evening cultivating in prosperous dreams and abundant outcomes ~